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Breaking down the Steelers picks in Mel Kiper's new ESPN mock draft
TL;DR
Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft predicts the Steelers will select Penn State guard Vega Ioane in the first round and Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch in the second round. Kiper emphasizes Ioane's potential while questioning the value of Branch given the team's existing receiver depth.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. put out his newest mock draft on Wednesday, and this time, Kiper went a full two rounds. We are just a week from the 2026 NFL Draft and according to Kiper, this will be his final projection before the draft starts. Let's take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers picks.
In the first round, Kiper has the Steelers taking former Penn State guard Vega Ioane. With a run on wide receivers just before the Steelers go on the clock, this is the perfect pick. Ioane is plug and play for 10 years and has All-Pro potential. The Steelers had Ioane in for a Top-30 visit and recognize just how dominant he can be.
Moving to the second round, Kiper gave the Steelers former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch. Kiper notes the Steelers current wide receiver depth chart and Branch's fit with his speed and quickness. However, we don't by the hype around Branch in the second round. If speed and quickness is the point, why not just keep Calvin Austin III? With Roman Wilson still in the fold, Branch doesn't represent value here. If he turns out to be Zay Flowers like Kiper claims, I'll be happy to come back and admit I was wrong.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Breaking down the Steelers picks in Mel Kiper's new ESPN mock draft
Q&A
Who does Mel Kiper predict the Steelers will draft in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Mel Kiper predicts the Steelers will draft former Penn State guard Vega Ioane in the first round.
What are the strengths of Vega Ioane as a draft pick for the Steelers?
Vega Ioane is noted for his dominance and All-Pro potential, making him a strong plug-and-play option for the Steelers.
Why is the selection of Zachariah Branch in the second round considered questionable?
The selection of Zachariah Branch is questioned due to the Steelers' existing wide receiver depth and the belief that they could have retained Calvin Austin III instead.
